Jose Mourinho is set to return to Real Madrid, turning down a €15 million offer from Benfica to do so, according to multiple reports. While Mourinho had previously denied contact with the Spanish club, sources including Marca and Fabrizio Romano confirm the move is nearing completion.
Benfica had offered the 63-year-old a new three-year contract worth a total of €15 million, a slight reduction from his current earnings, in an attempt to retain his services. However, Real Madrid’s pull proved too strong, despite only offering a two-year deal. Mourinho’s current contract with Benfica includes a release clause of €3 million, valid before May 26th, which Real Madrid are prepared to activate.
The decision comes as something of a surprise given Mourinho’s recent managerial postings, which include spells at Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahce and most recently, Benfica. Despite successes at these clubs, a return to the absolute elite was seen as a challenge. This move represents a final opportunity for Mourinho to reaffirm his status as one of football’s top managers.
Real Madrid’s interest stems from significant internal issues within the squad. President Florentino Perez is reportedly the driving force behind the appointment, aiming to address a fractured dressing room plagued by infighting. A divide exists between players who supported the ultimately unsuccessful pursuit of Xabi Alonso, led by Kylian Mbappe, and those who did not, including Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde. The situation has deteriorated under interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Mourinho’s reputation for strong man-management and discipline makes him the ideal candidate to restore order at the Bernabeu. He faces a considerable challenge in uniting a squad of highly-paid, strong-willed players, but Perez believes his experience and authority are crucial to resolving the current crisis. The financial details of Mourinho’s contract with Real Madrid have not yet been disclosed, but the move signals a dramatic return to the club he previously managed from 2010 to 2013.
